Two Illawarra mums have been refused bail over accusations they were two-thirds of a three-woman criminal shoplifting syndicate that stole more than $1000 worth of goods from Stockland Shellharbour.
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Lauren Penrith and Lisa Maree Butler stand accused of nicking clothing, toys, stationary, groceries and pharmacy goods from seven shops inside the centre on Monday afternoon.
When caught, Penrith allegedly told police "I keep ya's in a job by stealing", although she claims she said "people" instead of "I".
Both Penrith and Butler fronted Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday on multiple shoplifting charges, as well as a charge of participating in a criminal group. Both were refused bail on account of their criminal histories.
Police documents tendered to the court said the pair, along with a third co-accused, entered the carpark just after 2pm and parked in a loading dock at the eastern corner of the shopping centre.
The trio then went inside where they allegedly commenced their shoplifting spree, making at least two trips back to the car to load up the stolen goods before returning to their alleged enterprise.
Police will allege the trio stole goods from Toy Mate ($24.97); The Reject Shop ($161.75); Woolworths ($93.99); Target ($119); KMart ($246); Priceline ($364.90) and Smiggle ($49.90). The total value was $1060.51.
Police were notified by security guards and arrived at the centre in time to arrest the trio at their car.
It is alleged the third woman refused to get out of the vehicle and began swearing at police, prompting officers to pull her from the car and handcuff her.
They were also forced to use capsicum spray when the woman allegedly kicked out at police.
Meanwhile, police allege Penrith also became aggressive when witnessing her friend being sprayed with capsicum spray and tried to lunge at one of the police officers and grab her.
Penrith allegedly thrashed around while yelling to police "f--k off you f--king dogs, don't touch her".
In court on Tuesday, Penrith's lawyer said his client was not necessarily facing full-time custody if convicted of the offences and would agree to any bail conditions imposed by the court.
He said Penrith had already been served with a banning notice prohibiting her from going into Stockland Shellharbour.
Magistrate David Degnan refused to release either Penrith or Butler, saying the case against the pair appeared a strong one and both would likely face jail time if convicted.
It is not known whether the third woman has been charged.
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